Indeed a composer with a great degree of individuality. I enjoyed every single work on the cd. I can't think of one moment I was 'drumming my meaphorical fingers',and thinking,'Oh god,how long is this going to drag on?' Indeed,quite the opposite. I was fed up when the cd came to an end. Also,despite his adherence to 19th century,early 20th century late romantic sensibilties,there is allot of variety in his music. In fact,I find the scope of his music wider than that of Granville Bantock,fine composer that he was. Furthermore,unlike Bantock,Holbrooke's later music appears to have moved away from that of some of his 19th c models,towards a leaner and more refined sound world,closer to some of the French masters than composers like Wagner or Strauss,who neglected romantics like Holbrooke,are usually saddled with.
Having said that; regarding one of my previous posts. I was actually referring to the slow movement of the fourth symphony,not 'Pandora'. (Like I said,I was very busy,at the time!)This, gorgeously orchestrated movement, so good,I'm sure it could be enjoyed on it's own,actually made me think of Korngold,another severely underated,but better known composer,whose music has also suffered,over the years, from the same cruel,ignorant jibes.
